China's Fujian Aircraft Carrier Completes Sea Trials, Nears Commissioning

An aerial photograph captured on May 7, 2024, showcased China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during its initial sea trials. The vessel successfully concluded these trials on Wednesday.

Tuesday marked the third anniversary of the Fujian's launch. This carrier is China's first to incorporate electromagnetic catapults. Official reports suggest China is on the verge of entering an era with three aircraft carriers, with the Fujian anticipated to become operational by 2025.

Following its launch on June 17, 2022, the Fujian conducted its first sea trial from May 1 to 8, 2024. Since then, the vessel has undergone numerous sea trials, accumulating over 100 days of testing. Military analysts anticipate the Fujian will be commissioned within the current year.

The Fujian, with a full displacement exceeding 80,000 tons, is the world's first conventionally powered aircraft carrier to utilize electromagnetic catapult technology. It is designed to accommodate a diverse range of carrier-borne aircraft, including fighter jets, early warning aircraft, anti-submarine aircraft, and drones.

China's existing aircraft carrier fleet includes the Liaoning, commissioned in September 2012, and the Shandong, China's first domestically built carrier, which entered service in December 2019. Both the Liaoning and Shandong employ ski-jump ramps for aircraft takeoff. Experts suggest the Fujian, with its advanced technologies and new aircraft, may require a more extended testing period. However, it is considered likely to enter service in 2025.

The expansion of China's aircraft carrier fleet, coupled with their enhanced capabilities, is seen as a contribution to peace and stability. Unlike the Western naval approach, which relies on alliances for joint maritime operations, China's growing carrier force provides strategic balance, bolstering self-defense capabilities and promoting peace.